Does Usps Charge By Weight Or Size In 2022? (Full Guide)

You can ship your package faster than ever with the help of FedEx, UPS, and even USPS.

But have you ever brought your package to the post office, had them price it for you and found yourself surprised by the cost (in a good or a bad way)?

Maybe you’ve wondered whether USPS charges for weight or size. You might wonder how they arrived at this price. These are the facts.

Do USPS charge by size and weight for 2022?

The United States Postal Service generally charges per weight and distance. Some postal services, however, may charge dimensional weight pricing when the parcel’s dimensions exceed set limits. Dimensional weight pricing considers length, height, and width. Flat-rate shipping is available for parcels up 70 pounds.

Sound a little confusing? I can break down for you how much USPS charges per pound for different services, whether it’s cheaper to ship UPS or USPS and whether or not it’s cheaper to use your own box when shipping. Keep reading for all those details!

How much does USPS shipping cost per pound?

Shipping a parcel is priced per pound based on which USPS shipping option you choose and how far your item travels.

Parcels can be sent via First Class Package Service-Retail or Retail Ground as well as Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail Express.

Four of these may ship by dimensional weight (DIM), if the size maximum has been exceeded. USPS calculates DIM by: Length x Width x Height / 166.

Here is a listing of different types for parcel shipping services.

First-Class Package Service-Retail

First-Class Package Service refers to packages weighing less than 13. oz.

Packages usually take anywhere from 1 to 3 days.

Prices begin at $4 per 1 oz. and rise to $6.25/13 oz.

Shopping Ground

This USPS tracking service can be used when the packages are too big for Priority Mail, Priority Express or Priority Express.

Retail Ground limits include 70 lbs. 120 inches combined length and width

Prices start at $7.70 a pound and reach $49 for 70lbs.

If the parcel is larger than the limit, DIM pricing could be used.

Priority Mail

This service is the “next step up” from First Class shipping

The delivery time is slightly faster, usually within 1-3 business day. Sunday deliveries are possible (for an additional cost). This includes sending letters, large envelopes, and parcels.

Parcel must weigh 70 lb. or less, with a max 108 inches in combined length and girth

For one pound prices begin at $7.70 and reach $49 for 70 pounds.

Flat Rate shipping also included in this service. Prices start at $7.95 to mail envelopes, $8.45 small boxes, $15.50 medium boxes, and $21.90 large packages

DIM pricing may be applied if parcel exceeds size limit.

Priority Mail Express

This option is fastest and comes with next-day and 2 day shipping for letters, envelopes, and parcels

Parcel must weigh 70 pounds. Minimum 70 pounds, maximum 108 ins.

The prices start at $26.35 per half-pound and go up to $184.30 when you buy 70 pounds.

Priority Express offers flat-rate envelopes starting at $22.75 and ending at $23.25

If parcels exceed the size limit, DIM pricing might be applied.

Select Parcel

This service is ideal for those who are regular shippers and don’t want to rush their parcels.

Maximum weight is 70 pounds Size limit: 108 inches combined length and girth

Prices start at just $3.30 for one pound; the price for a 70-lb. You only pay $9.24 per package

DIM pricing can be applied to parcels exceeding the maximum size.

The best method to determine your shipping costs before you ship is by using the USPS.com shipping calculator.

Do You Think It’s More Cost-Effective to Send a Box UPS or USPS?

USPS can be beaten when it concerns low parcel shipping rates.

It also applies to UPS (a shipping competitor) which generally has a higher price than your government-run Postal Service, for basic parcel shipping.

The flat-rate shipping option offered by USPS is unbeatable. You can send a lot with one flat-rate box, as there is no weight limit.

You might have to fork out extra money on UPS or FedEx shipping costs if your item weighs in at over 100 pounds.

USPS does not allow you to ship any item over 70lbs. You will need to find a replacement.

Shipping USPS with your own box is cheaper

It depends on how heavy your item is.

It is possible to ship heavier items, such as 60 lbs. and the item will fit within a USPS Priority Mail flat-Rate mailbox.

The mailbox is provided free-of-charge.

Shipment of a 60-lb. Sending a 60-lb. product in your own container starts at $42.90. Shipping costs can rise up to $277.15 depending where you are shipping it.

What if I have my own box?

For flat-rate shipping options such as Priority Flat rate and Priority Express Flat Rat, you cannot use your box.

The USPS-approved boxes are better. You can choose from three sizes as well several different envelope options.

Here’s more on Priority Flat-Rate Boxes. Priority Express is currently offering flat-rate envelopes. Prices can be found here.

However, you are allowed to use your own shipping box with any service except the USPS flat-rate shipping services.

If you want to learn more about USPS please read these posts. They cover whether USPS scans packages; if USPS tracks tracking updates and if USPS charges a fee for moving an address.

Conclusion

USPS commonly calculates shipping costs using weight and distance. However weight, dimension, and distance can be used in some cases.

You can often save money if you have a fit item by ordering flat-rate shipping from USPS Priority Mail. It is usually cheaper than FedEx and UPS.

.Does Usps Charge By Weight Or Size In 2022? (Full Guide)